Ybor City vigil marks Day of the Dead amid ICE protests

Seventeen residents gathered at Centennial Park in Ybor City on Sunday, Nov. 1, to observe Día de los Muertos. The Tampa Immigrants Rights Committee hosted the event to honor individuals who organizers say died due to Immigration and Customs Enforcement violence. Participants chanted phrases such as “Stand up, fight back” and “The people united will never be defeated.” They also urged the public to attend Tampa city meetings and contact officials to advocate for immigrant rights.

Erain Boxtha, an organizer, stated that the gathering aims to keep the memories of the deceased from fading in a rapid news cycle. Boxtha noted that the Day of the Dead tradition serves to honor the dead and ensure they are not forgotten. He emphasized that the individuals remembered are not isolated figures but part of larger family units. Boxtha suggested that attendees consider how the stories of those at the vigil might resemble their own relatives, such as an uncle or cousin.

Yunqing Zheng, who goes by Yoon, explained that the committee selected Centennial Park for its historical ties to Tampa’s immigrant community. The park features a statue commemorating immigrants who helped build Ybor City. Zheng said the event provides a venue to voice concerns about local agencies working with federal immigration enforcement. She specifically cited the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security. Zheng stated that residents are dissatisfied with the current level of collaboration between these local and federal bodies.

With the election approaching, Zheng argued that voters deserve representatives who will actively defend their constituents. She observed a national trend where people seek officials willing to challenge authority to protect their communities. Zheng said this desire for protective representation is visible across the country.

Lizett Chavez attended the vigil to honor her father, Adelaido Chavez Mariano. Her father was arrested during an Aug. 2 traffic stop and subsequently transferred to immigration detention. He has since returned to his family in Tampa. Chavez said her father is now with his grandchildren but faces a hearing in Tallahassee on Nov. 5. She described her father as a helpful neighbor who assisted motorists with car trouble. Chavez said the support her family received inspired her to speak on behalf of others in similar situations.

Data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse shows that ICE held 65,765 people as of July 11, 2026. Approximately 70 percent of those detainees had no criminal convictions. Florida ranked fifth among states for average daily ICE detainees in fiscal year 2026, with a count of 3,934 people. Vigil participants stated that community support and public pressure help families affected by detention make their voices heard.